These speakers will more than exceed your expectations for both entry and mid level category. The new editions are the Aviano, which have not heard , but surely must sound great. Author changed the tweeter to a high performance variation and wow. They don't make these kind of production type speakers anymore. Now , for those drivers on the Avant line, one must go for the higher end Performance line.
Creating a sensation While we are justly proud of our considerable technical advancements and ground-breaking engineering, these are merely a means to an end, rather than the end itself. Mordaunt-Short’s overriding ambition has always been to get as close to reproducing the passion and excitement of the original performance as possible. Every Mordaunt-Short loudspeaker is as much a labour of love as it is an engineering masterpiece, and while constantly pushing the boundaries of design and materials technology, we ultimately measure our achievements by how well our loudspeakers sound. The Mordaunt-Short team of acoustic engineers and professional musicians believes, whether listening to music or movies, the ability to convey the spine tingling emotion of a performance is the absolute test of success. If a loudspeaker can’t re-create the sensations of those, it won’t carry the Mordaunt-Short marque.
Transcript
Creating a sensation
While we are justly proud of our considerable
technical advancements and ground-breaking
engineering, these are merely a means to an end,
rather than the end itself. Mordaunt-Short’s
overriding ambition has always been to get as
close to reproducing the passion and excitement
of the original performance as possible.
Every Mordaunt-Short loudspeaker is as
much a labour of love as it is an engineering
masterpiece, and while constantly pushing the
boundaries of design and materials technology,
we ultimately measure our achievements by how
well our loudspeakers sound.
The Mordaunt-Short team of acoustic
engineers and professional musicians believes,
whether listening to music or movies, the ability
to convey the spine tingling emotion of a
performance is the absolute test of success. If
a loudspeaker can’t re-create the sensations of
those, it won’t carry the Mordaunt-Short marque.
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 3
Quality connectors allow bestpossible contact and wiring permutations.
Custom designed feet and spikes
Supplied with all floor standingand subwoofer models, thesepurpose designed moulded feetand conical hardened steelspikes ensure maximum stabilityto enhance bass performanceand aid floor coupling.
Audiophile grade crossover components
Premium grade componentsincluding high saturationinductors, DVPC™ (Dual ValueParallel Capacitors) andoversized resistors areemployed to ensure optimalsignal transfer.
Inert cabinet materialsand braced construction
Critically braced MDF cabinetsare used for maximum paneldamping and cabinet rigidity.
Dual layer cabinet baffles
Ultra low colouration bafflesutilise differential materialsbonded at critical points. This ensures rigid, optimally damped mounting structuresthat exhibit minimum diffractioneffects and the absence ofunsightly fixing hardware.
Ballast loaded
Most floor standing modelshave a ballast chamber to allowloading via a re-sealable plugfor tighter, extended bassperformance.
“MORDAUNT-SHORT’S DRIVE UNITS AREQUITE OBVIOUSLY SUPERB... A GOODMODERN DESIGN... A WHOLE STEPAHEAD OF THE COMPETITION...”
Hi-Fi World
Aluminium dome tweeters
For all models we havedesigned and manufactured anadvanced 25mm anodisedaluminium dome tweeter whichis exclusive to Mordaunt-Short.The ultra thin diaphragm andcompression moulded surroundis mounted on a low resonancechassis. The tweeter utilises ahigh temperature voice coil withliquid cooling and damping toensure controlled highfrequency performance withexcellent detail.
Optimised tweeter flare
Front baffles incorporate acontoured tweeter flare that hasbeen optimised for consistencyand evenness of responseacross the bandwidth. Theresultant smooth and widedispersion characteristicsproduce improved soundstageand imaging.
CPC™ subwoofer anddigital amplifiers
The impressively-sized, state-of-the-art aluminium CPC™ driversused in our subwoofers arepowered by equally substantialactive digital amplifiers. Digitaltechnology greatly reduces theload on the power supply andlessens power supplymodulation effects and distortionwhich are prevalent in lesserdesigns. The massive poweroutput also offers, by its verynature, a huge dynamic range,and freedom from unwantedcompression effects.
Our proprietary CPC™(Continuous Profile Cone)technology produces exactlypredictable driver performanceby ensuring controlled piston-likemovement at low frequenciesand minimal break up at higherfrequencies. Lightweight andextremely rigid anodisedaluminium cones are used forfaithful dynamics. This advancedtechnology, combined with ourcustom designed sub coneensures stunningly realisticperformance.
CPC™ Drive unit
Ballast chamber
Custom designed feet
Combining innovative design, advanced materials and
are renowned worldwide for being the loudspeaker of
choice for the most discerning audiophiles.
Painstaking development, the finest materials and world
class manufacturing facilities ensure every loudspeaker is
made exactly as our design team intended.
The new Avant Series is the culmination of an extensive
two year research and development programme, reinforced
by more than thirty years at the forefront of loudspeaker
engineering. Embracing brand new technologies the
pioneering Mordaunt-Short loudspeakers in this brochure
continue the company’s proud tradition for remarkable
levels of sonic performance, way beyond their respective
price points.
Adjustable Notch Filter
This unique room matchingsystem guarantees the verybest bass delivery in any room.The notch filter evens out thelow frequency performance,smoothing out resonant roommodes which may be presentwithin the listening environment.By using Mordaunt-Short’sproprietary set-up disc, tight,low-end bass is easily achievedby adjusting the frequencyequalisation notch depth and itsfrequency point to cancel anyroom anomalies.
Adjustable Notch Filter
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 5
Lightweight cone to voicecoil coupling
Low mass, high efficiency,viscous coupling of cone tovoice coil, using our “5 POINT”polymer sub-cone andaerospace approved,visco-elastic bonding system.
Avant technology
At Mordaunt-Short we have a hard earned reputation for
designing loudspeakers that consistently deliver the best
possible performance at their respective price points. In our
continuing pursuit of excellence, the company has unveiled its
spectacular new Avant loudspeaker range, continuing this
proud tradition.
Superseding Mordaunt-Short’s critically acclaimed
Declaration Series loudspeakers, the
Avant range continues the
development of the company's striking proprietary Continuous
Profile Cone (CPC™) technology with all new drive units.
Designed at the company's UK R&D facility, the loudspeakers
also house a raft of other second-generation technologies,
including completely remodelled cabinet designs.
All-new mid/bass drivers
At the heart of the Avant rangeof loudspeakers are newoptimised, re-profiled, proprietyCPC™ mid/bass driversdesigned using the latest CADtechnology. The driversincorporate unique radialribbing on the surface of theanodised aluminium cone. Thisensures excellent critical rigidityat the cone edges for truerpiston-like behaviour.
Front coupled surround edges
A new manufacturing processinvolving a folded returnassembly, enables coupling ofthe surround edges to the frontof the aluminium cone. Notonly does this deliver improveddamping but, it also allows amore linear motion of the driveunit. The surround sits on aproprietary shallow profile, steel chassis.
Enhanced cabinetconstruction
The Avant’s revised cabinetdesign makes use of anoptimised internal bracinglayout at critical points anduses a new constructiontechnique that leads toimproved structural integrityand acoustic damping. Areduction of the cabinet’swidth, by 15mm, also helpsperformance, while side-mounted, moulded cabinet feetoffer greater stability withoutincreasing the overall footprintof the speaker.
Completely remodelled front plates
The Avant range introduces anew front plate design,featuring smoothed innertweeter flares. This shapedelivers improved dispersionand better imaging. Also, areversed radius detail offersimproved baffle coupling forflatter frequency response.
New Honey Maple finish
The Avant cabinets come witha new Honey Maple finish, thefirst time this has been seen on a British-designedloudspeaker. Currently uniqueto Mordaunt-Short.
Avant CPC™ drive unit
Avant technology
Avant technology
Avant technology
Avant technology
Avant technology
Four decades, one vision
Since our foundation in 1967 Mordaunt-Short has
engineered some of the world’s most acclaimed
loudspeakers, including such legendary designs as the
Festival, Carnival and Pageant in the early seventies, Pearl
Edition models from the late nineties and Declaration Series
in 2001. Every one of these speakers was born out of our
vision to design the best loudspeaker your money could buy.
The numerous awards and consistently excellent
reviews our models have received over four decades tell a
story of complete commitment to engineering excellence.
What’s more they show an enthusiasm for innovative
manufacturing processes, such as the company’s ground-
breaking use of injection moulding in the 1980s and more
The Avant drive unitsincorporate novel steel frontmounting, which features aunique vented, multi-fixing pointdesign. The combination ofextra strength, provided by theprofiled steel and multiple fixingpoints create optimal structuralrigidity. This produces a morelinear operation with lowermechanical noise.
Avant technologyB E S T
B U Y2 0 0 4
image hi-fi
“A STEAL”What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 7
Guide to Home Theatre
The DVD revolution has created an explosion in demand for
multi-channel or ‘Home Theatre’ systems. Mordaunt-Short’s
tradition in this arena stretches back to the early ‘90s with
our ‘Home Entertainment’ Series from 1992 and our famous
Dolby Pro Logic ‘Decoder One’ from 1993.
Today the current Avant Premiere, Avant, Classic and
500 Series THX Select products maintain our commitment
to outstanding Home Theatre systems. The enclosed
products start with dedicated sub-sat packages, right
through to full THX specification systems, with many
permutations in between.
An overview of the multi-channel formats and a guide to
suggested speaker set-ups are explained below:
5.1
5.1 is the most common surround sound format, with a
large percentage of material recorded in the two main
versions: Dolby Digital and Digital Theatre Sound (DTS) 5.1.
These both offer five main channels plus a subwoofer
channel. These digital formats provide a superb dynamic
range and complete channel separation. A 5.1 set-up
comprises five speakers; two front channels, two rear
channels, one centre channel and a subwoofer.
6.1
This builds on the 5.1 setup by the addition of a centre rear
channel, giving a six channel system; two front channels,
two rear channels, one front centre channel, one rear centre
channel and the subwoofer. The centre rear is embedded
into the signal of the left and right rear channels, providing a
smoother 360 degree surround sound experience and
improving on panned effects. This ensures that there is no
jump in sound from one speaker to another.
Two main proponents of 6.1 exist – Dolby Digital EX 6.1
and DTS ES 6.1.
7.17.1 adds a further channel to the setup, essentially replicating
the same physical configuration of a cinema. It comprises front
left, centre and right channels; surround left and right channels,
and rear left and right channels, plus the subwoofer. The
addition of the extra channel delivers an even broader and
denser 360 degree surround soundfield.
Surround sound set-ups
6.1
7.1
5.1
Note: The ‘.1’ in all of the above formats refers to aspecific channel for low frequency information. This isusually fed to a subwoofer.
Avant models illustrated are: One pair 906One pair 908One 905COne 907W
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 9
302 SatelliteUnlike other compactsub/satellite packages thathave clearly compromised on drive unit quality, AvantPremiere uses our proprietaryCPC™ driver technology andsuperior seamless metal conesin combination with liquidcooled anodised aluminiumdome tweeters.
Above: The Avant Premiere Plus systemfeaturing the 150W 309 Subwoofer
304 Centre channelAvant Premiere’s all importantcentre speaker is voiced for theclearest, most natural andtonally accurate dialoguetransmission for a trulyenjoyable listening experienceevery time. The same drive units found in the 302 areemployed in the 304, thusensuring perfect sonic integrationof the various channels.
308 SubwooferA substantial 80 Watt amplifierand heavy duty 20cm woofergive Avant Premiere its surprisingweight and scale. Withadjustable crossover, phasereverse option and customdesigned feet and spikes, this30cm cube is a sonic marvelwhich perfectly complements the other Avant Premiere system components.
309 SubwooferWith a 150 Watt digital amplifierand high performance 25cmaluminium CPC™ driver, themagnetically-shielded 309belies its compact 37cmfootprint. The subwoofer alsoincorporates an ‘AdjustableNotch Filter’. This roommatching system ensures thevery best bass delivery.
Where size is no compromise
“MORDAUNT-SHORT’S PREMIERE PLUS…SURPASSES ITS PREDECESSOR TO REMAINAT THE TOP OF THE SUB-SAT CLASS”
Home Entertainment
Never one to rest on its laurels, Mordaunt-Short continually
strives for improved levels of performance from its products –
hence the enhanced Avant Premiere Plus speaker system.
The company looked at every aspect of the current Avant
Premiere system to see where performance could be
improved and at the heart of the upgrades is a completely
new subwoofer.
Thanks to a 150W digital amplifier and aluminium
Continuous Profile Cone (CPC™) driver, which perfectly
matches other units in the system, the Avant Premiere Plus
package delivers a performance of staggering power, yet has
poise and subtlety to spare.
The Mordaunt-Short Avant Premiere system is a complete
Home Theatre loudspeaker package designed for listeners
who demand excellent results from unobtrusive speakers.
The individual components combine to deliver a seriously
impressive listening experience that belies their modest
proportions and redefines performance levels from speaker
systems of this size and price point. To achieve this, Avant
Premiere timbre matches four compact satellites to a
woofer/tweeter/woofer configured centre speaker and a
powerful 80W active subwoofer.
The use of seamless CPC™ hard anodised aluminium
cones throughout the system produces an
incredibly dynamic and well controlled sound, free
from the usual high power break up associated
with conventional paper or plastic
alternatives. This is further evidenced
in the wide imaging, phase
coherence and solid sound field that
are hallmarks of Avant Premiere.
Avant Premiere Plus
AVA N T
Avant Premiere
Premiere accessoriesComplementing the Premiere 302 and 304 are the incrediblylightweight yet supremely strong 300M wall brackets. Just assupportive are the MS-300P loudspeaker stands. Smart and slim,the units are constructed from solid cast iron. Both products offerthe perfect foundations for optimum performance.
300M 300P
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 11
Model 506 dipolesurrounds The 506 surrounds are ofdipolar design to provide therealistic sense of space andatmosphere essential for aconvincing performance. A driver complement of two25mm tweeters and two 13cmCPC™ mid/bass units perdipole again ensure sonicconsistency throughout thesystem. One of each drive unitis mounted in the opposingfaces of the dipole and they arephase inverted in true dipolarconfiguration to produce a fullsurround sound effect, while atthe same time maintaining leftand right channel separation.Drive units are isolated by useof a multiple enclosure cabinet.
Model 504 centre channel This multiple enclosure cabinetdesign utilises the same 25mmtweeter and twin 13cm CPC™mid/bass units that are used inthe 502 front speakers, toensure a seamless transitionbetween left, centre and rightchannels. The speakers havebeen critically voiced toreproduce clear, natural andtonally accurate dialogue aswell as superb multi-channelmusic reproduction.
HI-FICHOICEB E S T B U Y
The perfect balance between movies and music
Model 502 front left andright channel towersEach left and right speakerfeatures one 25mm aluminiumdiaphragm tweeter and two13cm CPC™ mid/bass units.Low frequencies are deliveredvia a powerful 25cm bass unitwhich is housed within its ownsub enclosure and is served bya discreet 150W power amplifier. The amplifier featuresadjustable volume control, twocrossover positions (internaland external), as well as asingle band Adjustable NotchFilter for best possible bassperformance. The inclusion of aphase reverse switch alsoallows for better systemintegration.
The 500 Series THX Select System represents a milestone
in both Home Theatre loudspeaker performance and the
four-decade history of its maker. Each system component
has been designed and engineered with the same
meticulous attention to detail and high quality materials that
have made Mordaunt-Short’s products among the most
critically acclaimed and highly regarded in the world.
The design brief for the 500 THX Select System was
therefore a simple one: “Give us a system that can really
deliver movie soundtrack effects and replay music
without compromising on either. And it has to be THX
certified as well!”
It is testimony to the ability and ingenuity of our design
team that the 500 Series was the first British designed
loudspeaker system to achieve THX Select certification and
is the first in the world to feature integrated sub-woofer
amplifiers in the front channel towers.
“GETTING THEBALANCE JUST RIGHTBETWEEN MUSIC AND MOVIEPERFORMANCE, THISSYSTEM HAS IT ALL”
Home Entertainment
B E S TB U Y2 0 0 4
image hi-fi
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:30 pm Page 13
Avant 900 Series
The Avant 900 Series continues our history of designing and
building class leading loudspeakers. For over three decades
Mordaunt-Short has proudly been at the forefront of
loudspeaker technology and the Avant Series continues this
tradition.
This sophisticated and striking new line-up refines existing
and proven speaker technologies, as well as introducing a
raft of pioneering new materials and technologies.
At the heart of the Avant range of loudspeakers is a
development of our proprietary Continuous Profile Cone
(CPC™) technology, designed at our UK Research and
Development facility. The new drivers employ a unique radial
ribbing technology, to guarantee excellent critical rigidity at
the cone edges.
There’s a new cabinet design, which sees a reduction in
the cabinet’s width and an optimised internal bracing layout
at critical points for greater structural integrity. This
complements the redesigned front plates whose new flaring
offers improved dispersion and better imaging, while
Finally, the cabinets are finished in a choice of black and
lustrous Honey Maple.
904An elegant, floorstandingversion of the 902, the Avant904 is a two-way loudspeakerdesigned to deliver theextended bass that only largerenclosures can offer. The rear-ported cabinet ensures a fast,tight bass, which can be furtherenhanced by ballast loading.
906Thanks to a true three-waydesign, the sleek floorstanding906 presents a stunninglypowerful and controlled lowfrequency performance. TheAvant 906 is capable ofdelivering a seamlesspresentation of impressivescale and clarity from agenerously proportionedcabinet that still possesseselegant proportions.
902Despite a cost conscious pricetag and compact size, the Avant902 standmount loudspeakersstill offer an impressiveperformance thanks to their useof second generation Avanttechnologies. The 902 is a rear-ported, two-way bookshelfmodel which combines midrange resolution and treble claritywith tight, fast and surprisinglyextended bass performance.
908The flagship loudspeaker of theAvant range, the 908 is a three-way design that combines theresolution of smaller modelswith power, authority andawesome drive. The lattercomes thanks to a dedicated,side-firing 25cm long throwwoofer, housed in its ownenclosure which is capable ofreaching 35Hz.
“AVANT BEGAN AS AN EVOLUTION. WEENDED UP ENGINEERING A COMPLETELYNEW RANGE”
Graeme Foy, head of acoustic engineering, Mordaunt-ShortHI-FICHOICE
B E S T B U Y HI-FI WORLD
905CThe Avant range is equally athome with surround sound as itis with stereo. The new Avant905C centre channel is a casein point. This and othersurround sound options arediscussed in greater detail inour ‘Guide to Home Theatre’.
903S*For those putting together aspecialist Home Theatresystem, bipolar rear channelloudspeakers, such as the903S are essential, spreadingthe special effects accuratelyand naturally around the room.With their 10cm aluminiumCPC™ drive units, cabinet sizeis kept to a minimum, allowingthe discreet positioning ofthese exceptional speakers.
* The 903S does not featureradial ribbing of the cone dueto the smaller driver size.
B E S TB U Y2 0 0 4
image hi-fi
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:31 pm Page 15
907WThe 907W enhances overallscale and weight with thespeed and control to integrateseamlessly into a surroundsound system. Compact, yetpowerful and agile enough togenerate prodigious low end via its 100 Watt amp andsuper-efficient 25cm long-throw woofer.
909WIncorporating cutting edgetechnologies developed by thecompany for its award-winningTHX loudspeakers, the 909W ispowered by a high-efficiency300 Watt digital amplifier.Designed to be as adept withsoundtrack effects as it is withrousing orchestral pieces, theflagship 909W embraces a 30cm long-throw CPC™ woofer,engineered with the help ofstate-of-the-art dynamic lasermeasurement equipment. Themagnetically shielded 909W alsoincorporates an ‘AdjustableNotch Filter’. This roommatching system, when usedwith the help of a special set-updisc, achieves the flattestfrequency response possible.
Classic 914
These imposing 90cm-tallfloorstanders make the most ofthe company’s illustriousproprietary Continuous ProfileCones (CPC™) technology,offering exceptional levels ofperformance. The elegantdesign combines a real senseof scale and impressive lowfrequency power with midrangesubtlety and clarity. Thisincrease in bass efficiency atlower frequencies is thanks tothe greater radiating area of the large 16.5cm CPC™mid/bass drivers.
Classic 912
This standmount design offers adistinguished sonicperformance which belies thespeaker’s compact proportions.The magnetically shieldedClassic 912 incorporates aCPC™ mid/bass driver,measuring 16.5cm. This largerthan standard driver meansmore power at lowerfrequencies, thanks to a bigger radiating area, andenhanced bass efficiency.Furthermore, a larger voice coiloffers improved power handling.The 25mm aluminium dometweeter embraces a new frontplate profile, sitting behind the aluminium outer skin. This enhanced mouldingprovides improved dispersion characteristics.
The backbone to a good sounding system. These dedicated
low-frequency transducers deliver the bass, weight and scale
that one would expect from only the largest of conventional
speakers and are ideal for reproducing sound effects from
movie soundtracks. To achieve outstanding results, the
subwoofer must be smoothly integrated into a system.
The omni-directional nature of sub-bass allows
subwoofers to be positioned virtually anywhere in a room.
However, as there is only one sub bass speaker in a typical
Home Theatre set-up, it is important to achieve an even, level,
bass integration into the system.
Our premium subwoofers (309W and 909W) incorporate
an ‘Adjustable Notch Filter’ which, when used in conjunction
with our set-up disc, enables any room ‘modes’ to be tuned
out, removing unwanted ‘boom’.
No matter whether you are an avid movie fan or music
lover, Mordaunt-Short’s comprehensive range of high-spec
subwoofers ensures that there will be one to perfectly suit
your needs. Embracing a host of proven and advanced
technologies, our line-up of subwoofers provides the powerful
low-end muscle and clarity required for an absorbing
performance. Compact and versatile, they are able to
integrate effortlessly into any number of home cinema
loudspeaker permutations.
Subwoofers
“AWESOME VALUE FOR MONEY FOR AHIGH END, WELL EQUIPPED ANDBEAUTIFULLY MADE SUBWOOFER”
Classic Series
Mordaunt-Short’s Classic Series loudspeakers provide an
exceptionally developed and insightful listening experience,
underlined by an authoritative sense of scale thanks to the
larger 16.5cm mid/bass drivers. Constructed to exacting
standards, the models in the Classic Series feature
advanced driver technologies, materials and manufacturing
processes to deliver exceptional sound quality and
wonderful style.
Our remarkable Classic Series loudspeakers are equally
at home in both two channel stereo set-ups and integrated
into multi-channel Home Theatre solutions.
“CRACKINGFLOORSTANDERS. A VIBRANT ANDWEIGHTY SOUNDTHAT WORKS ATREAT WITH ALLKINDS OF MUSIC”
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
Home Cinema Choice
308WMordaunt-Short's legendaryexpertise has combined asubstantial 80 Watt amplifierand heavy duty 20cm wooferinto the 308W. Delivering asurprisingly potent weight andscale of performance andfeaturing an adjustablecrossover, phase reverse option and custom designedfeet and spikes, the 308W is asonic marvel.
309WBelying its compactdimensions, the magneticallyshielded, 150 Watt 309Whouses not only a digitalamplifier, but also a highperformance 25cm aluminiumCPC™ driver and ‘AdjustableNotch Filter’ to deliver the bestpossible sound performance bysmoothing out any resonantroom modes. These wouldotherwise be encounteredwithin the listening environment,colouring the sound in the bass region.
HI-FI WORLD
MS 24pp brochure 03.04 Australia.qxp 8/11/04 2:31 pm Page 17
Lucasfilm THX are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Mordaunt-Short’s policy is one of continuous improvement. Design and specifications are therefore subject to change without prior notice.
308W 35-150 N/A N/A 80 Active (1) 8"/200mm Active - variable 305x305x305 9.4 Yes
